Holiday retail sales growth weakest since 2008

2012 shopping season hurt by bad weather and economic concerns

U.S. holiday retail sales this year are the weakest since 2008 when the nation was in a deep recession In 2012, the shopping season was disrupted by bad weather and consumers' rising uncertainty about the economy.

And consumers grew increasingly nervous as lawmakers failed to reach a deal to head off tax increases and government spending cuts set to take effect in early 2013.

The SpendingPulse number tracks sales of popular holiday goods, including electronics, jewelry and clothing, in the two months before Christmas. That's a crucial period for retailers.

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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